One of Joaquin Phoenix‘s would-be co-stars reflects on the Oscar winner’s exit from the film. In summer 2023, Phoenix was cast in an unтιтled film by renowned Carol director Todd Haynes. The movie was set to be a gay romance story set in the 1930s, and was scheduled to start filming the following summer. Just five days before Haynes’ movie was set to start shooting in Guadalajara in August 2024, Phoenix backed out of the project. Citing a reason for doing so, the actor stated that he had gotten “cold feet.”

Speaking with Empire Magazine, actor Danny Ramirez reflects on the actor’s controversial exit. Ramirez explains the joy he felt in the audition process, saying, “it was a moment where [he] felt like [he’d] arrived.” When he heard the news that Phoenix was abandoning the project, he was “heartbroken for Todd [Haynes].” Ramirez also says that he “understood that the decision for Joaquin [Phoenix] was incredibly difficult too.” Check out the full quote from Ramirez below:

Beyond the risky Sєx scenes, it was a moment where I was like, I could throw down with anyone. It was a moment where I felt like I’d arrived. I was heartbroken for Todd, and understood that the decision for Joaquin was incredibly difficult too. I felt worse for the people that were affected on the ground. But the project’s hopefully still happening. I’m hopeful that the story will be lived out.”

What This Means For The Todd Haynes Movie

There Is Not A Clear Way Forward

Ramirez’s response to Phoenix’s exit is a far more sympathetic take than many have awarded the actor following this decision. Per a report from The Hollywood Reporter last fall, Hollywood producers were reportedly “outraged” at Phoenix’s decision. Some sources thought that legal action could be taken against the actor, and the controversy dredged up recounts about Phoenix leaving past roles. Though he acknowledges how hard it was for the movie’s team, Ramirez seems more willing to consider Phoenix’s side in the matter.

On the negative side, however, Ramirez’s account is a reminder of just how catastrophic Phoenix’s departure was for the film. Ramirez mentions that “the project’s hopefully still happening,” a statement which, while touched with optimism, demonstrates that the project is still in jeopardy. Ramirez does not seem to know whether Haynes’ film is definitively happening with a new cast, and whether he will still be able to play the young man that Phoenix’s character would have fallen in love with. For those close to the story, it is still a major loss.

Our Take On The Joaquin Phoenix Departure

Phoenix Is Still Out Of Favor In Hollywood

Ramirez is one of the few people not to walk away from this situation utterly irate at Phoenix. Even those who have worked closely with the actor, such as Gladiator director Ridley Scott, spoke out about how harmful Phoenix’s departure was. In November 2024, the director mentioned how Phoenix almost walked off the set of Gladiator in a moment that was “terribly unprofessional.” Ramirez may be more forgiving towards Phoenix, but he is still very much out of favor in Hollywood.

Source: Empire Magazine